There’s more than one way to discover Hungary’s romantic city of Budapest. Whether you are a first time visitor or just looking for new things to see and do in Budapest, we have a top 10 list for you. Take a dip in one of the city’s famous baths, savor the local cuisine, check out some of the cool, funky shops featuring homegrown designs, walk across the Chain Bridge or just sit, relax and people-watch at one of the great downtown cafés.

First Time Visitor’s Top 10

1. Discover historic Castle Hill with a walking tour.
2. Take a Danube cruise for beautiful panoramic views of Buda and Pest.
3. Enjoy a performance at the world famous Budapest Opera House.
4. Shop with locals or try some traditional Hungarian food at Central Market Hall.
5. Take a dip and relax in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths.
6. Walk across Chain Bridge, the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest.
7. Visit Hungary’s Parliament Building, see the amazing architecture and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
8. Window shop and people watch on Váci utca (grab a coffee but look elsewhere for restaurants).
9. Try an authentic Hungarian dish paired with vintage Hungarian wine. Best enjoyed at one these award winning Budapest restaurants.
10. Take a stroll on Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square and you’ll understand why Budapest is often called the Paris of the East.

Top 10 Off The Beaten Path

1. Discover the architecture, streets and courtyards of District 8’s palace neighborhood and Mikszáth Square.
2. Find unique treasures on Budapest’s Antique Row.
3. Mingle with the locals at one of Budapest’s Ruin Pubs.
4. Take a stroll along Városligeti Fasor, connecting the city center with City Park.
5. Visit WAMP, Budapest’s monthly design market to meet Hungarian contemporary designers and check out their creations.
6. Have a coffee, pastry or even lunch at Hadik Coffee House in Buda.
7. Go window shopping along Király utca, lined with funky boutiques and galleries.
8. Explore Óbuda, the oldest and lesser known part of Budapest.
9. Take a unique guided tour of Budapest to meet locals and learn about the culture.
10. Treasure hunt at the Ecseri Flea Market.

Top 10 Views of Budapest

1. Take in the beautiful panorama from the top of Gellért Hill.
2. You will love the vistas of Pest from Fishermen’s Bastion.
3. Take a Danube cruise for beautiful panoramic views of both Buda and Pest.
4. Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the Basilica’s observation deck for some of the best views of Budapest.
5. Whether it’s day or night you will enjoy the views from the Danube Promenade.
6. Climb above the tunnel for some of the best views of Chain Bridge.
7. Track to the Elisabeth Lookout on János Hill for a full view of Budapest.
8. For the best street views take your seat on the top of the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour double-decker bus.
9. Take a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the city.
10. Magnificent sunsets are included with cocktails served on the deck of Spoon Cafe.

Top 10 Free Things To Do in Budapest

1. Walk across Chain Bridge and you will understand why Budapest is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.
2. Take a free walking tour or join Budapest Underguide for free Art Nouveau-themed guided tours.
3. Walk up to the summit of Gellért Hill for panoramic views of Budapest.
4. EU citizens bring your passport for a free tour of  Budapest’s Parliament Building.
5. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. It’s free to enter the church and there is only a nominal fee of HUF 500 to go up to the observation deck.
6. Go for a jog or take a stroll around Margaret Island and/or City Park.
7. Enjoy the views from the Danube Promenade at night.
8. Relax in Károlyi Gardens, Szabadság Square or the Millenáris Park.
9. Visit museums for free during the ‘Night of the Museums‘, held annually in June.
10. Celebrate with the locals and enjoy the fireworks from the banks of the Danube on St. Stephen’s Day on August 20th.

Reposted/republished from the great folks over at Visit Budapest Travel. For more of their tips and insights, visit them here: http://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-top-10/

Renee Blodgett

Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.

She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.

Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.

Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.